I own none of the Tracey family they belong to Gerry Anderson and Carlton etc. the extra characters are mine. Here by endith the disclaimer. I apologise in advance for posting delays but I have three stories on the go one with my beta which is coming of hiatus another one on my own both HP arc and this plus full time job so please except my apology and please be kind and review.

Thenextmrsblack xx

Chapter 1

Jeff Tracey stared into the horizon, Alan was coming home today. Not much had changed over the past 3 years except two key things Tin – Tin and Fermat were officially a couple and there was a constant vacant spot at the dinner table where Jeff's youngest son should be. Jeff remembered the awkward months following Alan's departure from the island. Gordon took Alan's departure extremely hard. To Jeff's surprise Gordon like Alan had been unaware of the 'affair' that had gone on. Therefore Gordon had spent the following weeks-seeking retribution on Alan's behalf. Some of the pranks he had pulled had been viscous but in Gordon eyes justified for chasing his partner in crime off the island.

Jeff knew that Scott and Virgil and John were not happy and had equally voiced there anger at Alan leaving, but they knew that once Alan set his mind to something there was very little you could do to talk him out of it.

Jeff looked out to the ocean and frowned, recalling the conversation he had with Alan 2 weeks ago and swore him to secrecy.

(2 weeks previous)

"Hi Dad"

"Alan how are you? How's your course?"

" I am fine dad I was just calling to let you know that I've finished my course, I got a 2:1"

"That's great Alan"

"Dad" (pause)

"Yes Alan"

"I was kind of thinking about coming home and using my skills in the family business"

"Alan you don't have to ask to come home, son I'll send Scott in the

Dragonfly to pick you up".

"No Dad"

Jeff frowned confused.

"I'll fly commercial to San Francisco, then get one of the Tracey Enterprise pilots to fly me across".

"Alan why not let one of your brothers come and fetch you".

"Because I want it to be a surprise for Grandma and none of them can lie to her and as long as you don't act too suspicious she wont know till I get home".

The past 2 weeks had gone fast enough for Jeff. On several occasions he had to go to his office to prevent him from telling every one of Alan's pending return. Kyrano was aware that something was a foot as on the day of the supply run, Jeff had taken him aside and requested something extra special for tonight's meal. Jeff sighed all of Kyrano's efforts now could be a waste of time as the boys were on a mission. To ensure that all that family were together he had sent both Tin –Tin and Fermat up to Thunderbird 5. Jeff was broken from his thoughts by the sound of an engine. Looking up he realised that the mail plane had just arrived. Jeff made his way down to the landing strip to meet the pilot Harry.

"Hi Mr Tracey" came the jovial voice of Harry

"Hello there Harry anything interesting there for me?"

"Sure do Mr Tracey a rather large parcel, special delivery!"

Jeff's eye brows raised curiously 'who be sending me a parcel' he thought. A voice came from behind Harry.

"Hi Dad"

" Alan son I wasn't expecting you on the mail plane" Jeff embraced Alan in a tender hug.

"No we arrived at the strip early and Harry was there so we hitched a lift"

"We" Jeff commented know holding Alan at an arms length.

" Sorry Dad I forgot to introduce you to my girlfriend Joanna Jones"

Alan turned towards the plane and leaned in

"Honey you can come out now".

Jeff looked at his son in shock girlfriend? How long had they been together? And why hadn't Alan warned him so he could organise operation cover up? The sight of a young brown haired girl being assisted off the plane by Alan halted his thoughts.

" Hello Mr Tracey I am glad that I've finally had chance to meet you and Allie's brothers".

"Hello I am afraid Alan's brothers are away on business at the moment".

"Oh never mind" she smiled.

Turning to Alan, Jo gestured towards the plane

"Alan could you give me a hand with the bags so that this kind gentleman can go home?"

" Yea sure"

Jo and Alan collected their bags and headed towards the villa with Jeff avoiding the areas Grandma could be. Once they arrived at the guestroom Jo turned to Alan and briefly kissed him and bid Jeff a goodbye saying she needed to freshen up. Once Jeff was sure the door was closed he turned to Alan but was unable to say anything.

"I'll explain in my room" with that Alan had turned and walked two doors down the hall typed in the code and disappeared. Jeff viewed this as his que to follow, upon entering Alan's room he found his son vacantly staring out of the window, he was about to speak when Alan began.

" I met Jo in my 1st year were we became surprisingly close friends. When I 1st started the course I was determined not allow anyone to get close to me, but I guess it made me seem lonely and she can be as damned stubborn and persistent as me at times".

Alan smiled Jeff remained quite sensing there was more to come.

"She asked me to join her for a drink just as friends, she made me suprisingly forget and start to move on. When she finally got out of me why I left, she hit me around the head!"

Jeff frowned but remained silent. Seeing his fathers face Alan continued.

"In the process of hitting me she said that she was attempting to knock some sense into me saying that family support is essential to help heal a broken heart". He smirked " she threatened extreme physical violence if I didn't listen to what Gordon had to say and allow you all to visit".

Jeff found himself gaining a respect for this mysterious girl as she seemed to be able to do what others had failed, talk sense to his youngest son.

"Any way you lot came on mass to visit, and I didn't see her for 3 weeks. In those 3 weeks I realised that I was falling in love with her. When you went home I decided to take the bull by the horns and I asked her out. We kept our relationship quite from you guys in case something went wrong".

Alan gave a weak smile.

"Dad just so you know Jo knows about International Rescue, even though I left I still watched your rescues on TV, and she figured it out on her own. This became apparent especially after I saw Gordo fall on the rescue in Paris".

Jeff grimaced Gordon had broken three ribs on that rescue. Alan continued

"She just asked which brother it was and once the rescue was over handed me the phone and told me to call to see how he was. Jo said she wasn't bothered that I was a Thunderbird. In fact she said that she'd worked it out ages ago and understood the need for secrecy. Jo said that if we didn't work out I didn't have to worry about her telling anybody."

Jeff relaxed and realised that this girl was what Alan needed and loved him for who he was.

"Alright son just be careful, why don't you freshen up your brothers will be home soon. I'll buzz your watch when everyone's at the table so that you can surprise them".

Jeff turned to leave then turned back

"Alan"

"Yes Dad".

"I've missed you son"

Alan smiled slightly "I've missed you sir"